OBJECTIVE: To determine the constituent compounds of Danggui buxue decoction(DBD) involved and the potential mechanisms mediating its effects, with specific reference to lipids playing a role in the initiation of diabetic atherosclerosis.METHODS: Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify and quantify the absorbed bioactive compounds(ABCs) present in DBD. Goto-Kakizaki(GK) rats were randomly allocated to a diabetes atherosclerosis(DA) group, a DBD group, and an ABC group(10 per group), which were all high-fat diet-fed. The treated rats were administered DBD(4 g/kg) or ABCs(in amounts equal to those present in DBD) once daily for 28 d, and a control group of Wistar rats were administered vehicle. Body mass gain, fasting blood glucose, and homeostasis assessment of insulin resistance(HOMAIR) were measured. Serum triglyceride(TG), cholesterol(CHOL), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol(HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDLC) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) concentrations were determined. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and microscopy were used to characterize the abdominal aorta and the expression of lipogenic genes was quantified in this vessel.RESULTS: Seven ABCs were identified in rat serum:ferulic acid, formononetin, calycosin, astragaloside,caffeic acid, ligustilide, and butyphthalide. DBD significantly reduced HOMA-IR, the serum concentrations of TG, CHOL, and LDL-C, and the expression of the lipogenic genes monocyte chemotactic protein1, Fas, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and Cd36 in aorta; and significantly increased the mRNA expression of Scd1 in aorta.CONCLUSION: DBD affects lipid metabolism in the early stage of atherosclerosis in diabetic GK rats,with the mechanism likely involving the regulation of lipid metabolic genes in vessels. The contribution of ABCs to the effect of DBD on lipid metabolism was 24%-101%.